AUGUSTA, Maine — A steel object believed to have fallen from a trans-Atlantic jet got here crashing down outdoor the Maine State House, touchdown with a noisy bang simply toes from Capitol Police employee, officers stated Monday.

The Federal Aviation Administration was once alerted on Friday and returned to the State House on Monday because it investigated incident, Capitol Police Chief Matthew Clancy stated.

The object hit with a noisy bang on a slab of granite lining a cobblestone walkaway about 6 to eight toes from a safety screener – and got here with reference to hitting the construction itself, he stated.

“It indubitably surprised him,” the executive stated. “He was once strolling again to the construction and were given rather a wakeup name.”

The FAA believes the steel sleeve weighing 6 to 7 kilos got here from a wing flap of a giant passenger jet, he stated. Airlines had been notified, and all planes landed safely that day, he stated.

The state of affairs may’ve led to tragedy.

The space the place the aircraft phase crashed to the bottom is normally busy when the Maine Legislature is in consultation, and it’s automatically used for rallies, protests and press meetings, he stated.